Hard rock superstars Europe are to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark release 'The Final Countdown with a series of shows across the U.K. and the continent.

By Eamon O'Neill on 14 March 2016.​As exclusively revealed by eonmusic via gigsandfestivals.com, hard rock superstars Europe are to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark release 'The Final Countdown with a series of shows across the U.K. and the continent.

As well as the live dates, in a treat for vinyl junkies, the band are also set to re-release a special limited edition vinyl set of 'The Final Countdown' in time for this years Record Store Day.

Originally released in 1986, 'The Final Countdown' was Europe's third album. It's success turned the Swedes into global superstars, selling over three million copies and producing five hit singles including ‘Rock The Night’ and ‘Carrie’. It was however the album’s infamous title track that propelled the record into the stratosphere, turning the group into household names, and topping the charts in over twenty-five countries.

The anniversary shows will see the band play the album live in its entirety for the very first time, as well as performing the hits that have spanned their musical career.

Says singer Joey Tempest; “this anniversary is special and we want to give the fans what they have asked for. We're excited to play the whole album from start to finish, especially as it made it possible for us to fulfil our dream to become an international touring band."

Fans however can expect to hear much more from the special evenings, with the band promising to delve deep into their catalogue for the gigs. Says Tempest; "to make it extra special, we will try and play songs from [latest album] 'War Of Kings' and other albums we haven't played before."

He added; "we want a show that will be majestic and memorable for all of us.”eonmmusic was the first to reveal Europe's plans late last year, after speaking the band at the Classic Rock Awards in London. Chatting on the red carpet at the event, Tempest revealed: "We’re putting together a few shows at the end of the year as a celebration. We don’t want to overdo it, but it will be something [special]".

Meanwhile, 'The Final Countdown' will be receiving a very special anniversary makeover, with the release of a limited edition 12” three-track ‘sparkle blue’ vinyl EP for this years' Record Store Day. Featuring a brand new 2016 recording of 'The Final Countdown', the disc is exclusive to U.K., European and Australian stores that are participating in the annual Record Store Day event, which this year takes place on 16 April. U.S fans meanwhile will be able to get their hands on the disc via the UDR web store, on a very limited first come, first served basis.